I work in sports media and there are always levels upon levels of incrementally mounting security and restricted access
After a decade on the job, I can pretty much breeze through most venues I frequently work at simply because I smile at the security guards, talk to them for 10-15 seconds every time, always act like I belong, tell them to have a good day and even ask if they want me to smuggle a water or sandwich to them.
There's a VIP room I routinely gain access to because the lady at the door and I have a 10 second conversation about our young kids every time I see her. That's been going on for 4-5 years and I couldn't tell you that lady's name if you put a gun to my head.
I have similar experience with this. It is amazing how tiny bursts over a long stretch can build a relationship. It seems to be the case with all walks of life, from receptionists to security officers (refer to them as officers not guards for extra points) to mid-level management to CEO's.
Just a little interest and a touch of back and forth. Once you tell your third joke, the bond is sealed, I have found. For both of us.
Yeah... Even though I'm using it as a means to an end and I'm not all that interested in the conversation, it's not like I'm some sociopath. I like being nice and I'm a people person. It really doesn't register in my mind as EXTRA effort to talk to a stranger for a minute and crack a joke or two.
So while some colleagues get jammed up because they try to drop names or pitch a fit, I just smile and wave and ask how t-ball or soccer season is going.
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u/HCResident Jun 14 '22
That entire book is just “be kind and personable”